Funasawa Onsen (船沢温泉)

Funasawa Onsen: The Coastal Community Spring of Noshiro’s Wood Capital

Located in the Asanai district of Noshiro City—famously known as the “City of Wood”—Funasawa Onsen (船沢温泉) is an authentic encounter with the local lifestyle of northern Akita. While large resorts focus on spectacle, Funasawa is a sanctuary of “Daily Wellness,” cherished by residents and sports teams for its potent mineral heat and unpretentious hospitality.[1, 2] For the international traveler, this onsen provides a perfect strategic base: it is situated near the vast Kaze-no-Matsubara (Japan’s largest pine grove) and serves as a quiet recovery spot after exploring the UNESCO Shirakami-Sanchi forests. Here, you can soak in high-temperature saline waters that have warmed the hearts of foresters and fishermen for generations, experiencing the true “Satoyama” spirit of the Noshiro coastline.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Natural Cooling” Saline Ritual

The waters of Funasawa Onsen are geologically prized for their purity and thermal energy. Emerging from the ground at a high 62.5°C, the facility utilizes a traditional “Natural Cooling” method—allowing the water to rest overnight to reach an ideal bathing temperature without excessive dilution by fresh water.[4, 3]

The Salt Protection: Classified as a Sodium-Chloride Spring, the high salt content acts as a thermal insulator. Upon exiting the bath, the minerals form a microscopic film on your skin that prevents body heat from escaping—making it an essential treatment for the bone-chilling winters of northern Akita.[5, 4]
Balneological Benefits: The pH of 8.0 provides a mild alkaline effect, which gently cleanses skin oils and promotes the healing of cuts and abrasions.[3] This makes Funasawa a favorite for athletes and mountain hikers seeking a “Physical Reset” after a day of exertion.[2]

Top 5 Recommended Stays & Bases

• Funasawa Onsen (船沢温泉): The heart of the area. It offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms and is famous for its reasonable rates and local home-cooked meals. Perfect for long-term travelers and those seeking a quiet retreat.
• Arinas (Noshiro Yamamoto Sports Resort): Located nearby, this massive facility features an onsen, sauna, and an indoor running track. Ideal for active families and groups.
• Hotel Route-Inn Noshiro: A reliable modern hotel located at the highway entrance, offering Western standards of comfort with easy access to the Funasawa district.
• Former-Ryotei Kaneyu (Cultural Stay nearby): While not a hotel, this historic “Wood Capital” landmark offers dining and cultural programs in a 1937 masterpiece of Akita cedar.
• Yuzaka (Nearby Oyu Onsen): For those seeking a 100% Vegan experience during their Noshiro tour, this sustainable inn is the recommended eco-base.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Pine Forests and Basketball Heritage

Kaze-no-Matsubara: One of the largest pine forests in Japan, featuring endless trails for cycling and jogging. It was designated as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan” for the soothing sound of wind through the needles.
Noshiro Basketball Museum: Noshiro is Japan’s “Basketball Town.” Explore the history of the local high school powerhouse that inspired the famous manga Slam Dunk.
Omori Hamanasu Gallery: A 1,200-meter long open-air mural gallery along the sea wall, featuring local art against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan.

Local Gastronomy: The Purity of the “Wood Capital”

Noshiro’s food is defined by the intersection of river and sea.
Ishikawa Soba: A legendary local buckwheat noodle. Try the “Negi-Soba” served with a whole local leek used as a utensil.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Request the “Sansai Tempura Soba” at the Oraho-no-kan restaurant. Specify “Katsuo-dashi nuki” (No fish dashi). The local “Noshiro Tofu” is famous for its density and is often served as “Tofu Steak” in the region. We also recommend “Miso-grilled rice balls” (check for fish-flakes) or the fresh fruit from the Meiki Morning Market.

Cultural & Historical Context

Noshiro’s identity is built on lumber. Historically, the Yoneshiro River transported natural Akita cedars to the port, where they were shipped throughout Japan. Funasawa Onsen developed as a community bath to support the health of the laborers and foresters of this industry. The name “Funasawa” refers to the “Marsh of Boats,” signifying the region’s deep roots in river navigation and commerce.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Funasawa Onsen is a local community hub. Small tattoos are generally tolerated without stickers. For larger art, it is polite to visit during off-peak morning hours (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM).
• Connectivity & Cash: This is a rustic facility. Wi-Fi is limited to common areas. Cash is essential for the entrance ticket and the local Noshiro buses.
• Transportation: Noshiro and Higashi-Noshiro stations are connected by a 5-minute shuttle train. Use Higashi-Noshiro for the easiest taxi access to the onsen.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In **August 2025**, the **”Noshiro Tanabata”** festival will feature massive castle-shaped floats lit from within, a spectacle visible from the city center near the onsen. For the **2026 season**, a new “Wood Capital Heritage Walk” will connect the historic Kaneyu building to the Funasawa district with English signage.

Safety & Manners

Always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water is high in salt, **rinse with fresh water** in the shower before you leave to avoid potential skin irritation. Noshiro can be very windy; when walking in the pine groves, **stay on marked trails** to avoid getting disoriented by the shifting sands or deep forest.